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Music is a Bridge | February 2008 | Song #380

I look at you and see different
You look at me and see the same
I look at you and see magic
You look at me and see the world explained
Out of the fog and distance
We can find a way to dance
Out of the cold and darkness
We can find warmth and happiness

Refrain:
Music is a language
That connects us like a bridge
Meet me in the middle
Meet me at the edge
Music is a story
That connects us like a thread
Meet me in the middle
meet me at the edge

If you sing with words
That I don’t understand
Still my heart will comprehend
Whatever’s been torn or broken
Music always helps to mend
Whatever is too straight or rigid
Music always helps to bend
Our love of music makes us friends
Our love of music makes us friends

Refrain:

If you are alone, far from home
(Still the song remains)
Whatever you’ve lost or broken
(Still the song remains)
If you’re a stranger
In strange land
(Still the song remains)
Won’t you join me
In the melody?
(Still the song remains)
Now let’s add
A little harmony
(Still the song remains)
La la la la la
(Still the song remains)
Nu Waba Walangi
Chi Mazi Maya Tu Gatta
Still the song remains

Refrain:

You look at me and see different
I look at you and see the same
You look at me and see magic
I look at you and see the world explained

Commentary: I wrote this song while visiting a friend in San Francisco. It was commissioned by Bill Rodman for the Letters To Daddy Musical. The story I was given for the context was that the main character of the musical has just gotten into trouble for something at school. As a result she ends up in the principals office where she meets a new girl. The new girl is an orphan from Uganda, Africa who has been adopted by an American family. The two have nothing in common…except their love of music.

The larger idea here is that we can find cultural connections in a lot of ways. Music is one of the best. Irish musicians are using African percussion, African drummers are including the Irish tin whistle. And on it goes.

To hear more of my songs visit: MarkShepardSongs.com

- Mark Shepard, New Haven, CT

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• How Drums Came To Be

• Why Leopards Aren’t Vegetarians

• Why Monkeys Live In Trees
  

• AND…
  

• Why You Never Mess With A Drummer’s Drum Without First Asking Permission…

This story is featured in two of my DrumSongStory Programs: Trickster Tales and The Talking Drum.  It can also stand alone as a humorous and refreshing 20 minute keynote that is guaranteed to liven up the most serious corporate conference.

This telling was recorded live at an elementary school with several audience volunteers assisting me on Djun-djun, Djembe, and “Bob the Big Drum”.

To book this program now call 1-800-378-4971 or e-mail mark[at]markshepard.com

See what other DrumSongStory Programs are available for:

• Schools, Family Concerts
• Colleges, Universities
• Corporations, Non Profits, Conferences

“Drums, Songs And Stories: Mark Shepard”

by Matthew Connolly

From the moment I walked into the gym, to the moment I walked out, it was safe to say I, and the rest of the school were spellbound by the talent and enthusiasm of one amazing man: Mark Shepard.

This wonderful singer, drummer, and storyteller wowed students and teachers alike with a fun, amazing show that made me forget I was learning about ancient cultures and sea animals! First he told us the bittersweet tale of the Silky, followed by songs telling about sharks and a story song about a day at the pool. The whole school was tapping toes and singing.

Finally, with the interactive fable “Raven Stops The Rain” and the final song, “Sail Away,” Mr. Shepard did something no one else could achieve. He equally entertained every grade in the school (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Middletown, NY, K-8), and received loud applause.

Mark loves to read, and is talented as a drummer because he has practiced since he was a child.

He said, “Kids are fun, because even in the TV Age, they still enjoy the songs and stories I tell and sing about.” I can only hope that Mr. Shepard returns with more songs, drums and stories. Until then we can all take his advice, “Read a lot, learn a lot, and have a lot of fun!”